14 BULLETIN 1035, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
CULTURAL METHODS IN THE GROVE. 
Clean culture does not pla} 7 an important part in the control, as 
this species does not infest weeds or plants in or about avocado 
groves. Orchards mulched in various ways in southern Florida 
were found to be less infested with the red spider as a rule than those 
where clean culture was practiced. The avocado seems to thrive 
better Avhere mulching is practiced and the moisture is conserved. 
Eed spiders generally like dry conditions such as are afforded in 
Fig. 10. — Spraying in an avocado grove with spray gun, using the fan or big fog spray. 
groves where clean culture is followed. This is especially evidenced 
in seasons of drought during the year. 
One factor which influences greatly the abundance and appearance 
of the red spider in a grove is the vitality of the trees. Nothing is to 
be gained by allowing trees to suffer from want of proper attention 
in the way of mulching, plant foods, and culture. Where growers are 
in doubt about the proper procedure to use in caring for their avocado 
trees, they should get in touch with either the Plant Introduction 
Garden maintained by the United States Bureau of Plant Industry 
at Miami, Fla., or their particular county agent. 
